For some more on how picture book publication works, here's some old (and some fresh-ish!) blog posts.

For those just starting to think about writing picture books: tracymarchini.com/2013/03/12/thi…

That said, publishers *do* want you to love your book. Nobody wants to publish a book the author hates, and your agent is there to help navigate some of these situations.

Will you as an author get to talk to the illustrator while they work? Usually - no. As an author, you were able to do your creative work without input (except from your editor), and so the illustrator gets the same courtesy when it comes to their creative vision for the book.

And while that might sound limiting - the truth is that art departments are seeing art from all over and have a very keen eye for what is working in the current market - so they're going to have an even clearer vision of what the book *could* be.

So, does the author have a say about who illustrates their book with a traditional publisher? Yes, (but mostly) no. You can suggest an artist, but ultimately, it's going to come down to the editor and art director's vision for the book as a whole.

Plus more practical concerns - is that illustrator available to work within the book's schedule? Do the numbers ($) work for that particular illustrator?

Publishers pick illustrators for picture book manuscripts based on a number of factors - the style/feel of the manuscript, if there's an illustrator they're trying to break out, if there's a debut author that they'd like to add someone with a fan base to the project, etc.

If a 'traditional' publisher asks you to find your own illustrator or offers to do it for you for a fee, this is a HUGE red flag - and I would run from that deal. A traditional publisher will take care of the production of the book - and that includes the art. #querytips

A traditional publisher will ALWAYS be the one to find and pay the illustrator. If you are writing a picture book and you're not a professional-level illustrator, it is in *your* best interest not to submit any sort of art with the text. #amquerying #picturebooks #querytips

Yes!! NEVER stop querying. Don't let agents or publishers stall your forward progress. Keep the momentum going by querying until you have an offer. #askagent

I might not be the absolute best resource since I don't represent memoir, but I tend to think a memoir from a debut author does need to be complete. #askagent

it is absolutely appropriate to ask what else they've sold. Some of that, but not all, can be found with a @PublishersLunch subscription as well #askagent

Thank you! We do really enjoy working together and we love taking author questions. #askagent

Blog Post: Packing for Writers' Conferences & Advice for Introverts on surviving conferences #amwriting #publishing #askagent bookendsliterary.com/2018/10/04/pac…

I think everyone has different desires for a career in publishing. My only suggestion is know what you want and what kind of career you want and go for it. #askagent

Questions to Ask When an Agent Offers Representation #askagent bookendsliterary.com/2018/10/03/que…

Delete it.

Write another project. If that is not acceptable to you: buy a lot of Gin, OR move to California, Canada, Colorado, or Amsterdam.

You should count everything. Essentially, there is never a correct answer on word count, but I'd keep it -ideally-below 100K for a debut. And reconsider the prologue, put it in the plot.

I am fortunate enough to only request what *I*want while obviously hoping publishers will agree.